Pepperpot e paper 06 17 2018

See inside: Father’s Day Musings V of a young girl ► Page

Reminiscing on the joys of Father’s Day ► Page XXXIX From left: Elsom Crosse, Carwyn Holland and Rehman Majeed (Photo courtesy of Rabindra Rooplall)

Three cheers

for dad!

► Page

III

All the wisdom you need from some outstanding fathers

II

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Taking the high road Sage advice from a single father

By Lisa Hamilton

dously smart, having a knack for excelling in several sports, while his daughter, Ashley, he says, is compassionate, loving and a very critical thinker for her age.

The youngest, Micah, is described as a perfectionist with a dedication to doing things thoroughly, leaving very little room for mistakes.

“They all have different personalities and sometimes it scares me when I see so much of me in them; the eloquence, the sarcasm, the playfulness, the humour and then, they all have that quiet side.

I don’t know if that comes from me or if it comes from their mom, but their mom is a lot quieter and more reserved than I am,” he said.

Kunta Waddell and his three children, Jaden (left), Micah (centre) and Ashley

FATHER'S Day can be a difficult holiday for divorced dads who are among millions of men around the world who miss out on what is widely believed to be the ‘authentic family structure.’

Nonetheless, these situations still exist and in a sit-down interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, father of three, Kunta Waddell told of how he makes the very best out of such a situation simply by putting his children first.

Kunta is a Geography and Physical Education teacher at the Mae’s Academy and has been teaching for some 22 years now, a profession he describes as his passion.

He also serves as the school’s Sports Coordinator, Prefect Committee Coordinator and operates the Primary level Pee-wee Football Club.

He is the father of two boys, Jaden and Micah, age 15 and 10 and one girl, Ashley, age 13.

Telling of how he and his former spouse

became separated, he said: “Things did not work out, we both wanted different things and so we went our separate ways.”

However, Kunta believes that even in the event of separate parenting, adults should

be able to put aside their differences for the sake of their children.

“It’s sad when it comes to that, in terms of separation between parents, and kids are in the middle of that struggle but it would be good if everybody could just put aside their selfish differences and work towards the betterment of the children because that is where your focus should be," he said.

“Two people could be separated and they could still communicate for the sake of their children. As long as you put that selfishness aside- whatever animosity, resentment or bitterness- and you try to work towards your children, you can cultivate a healthy family relationship with the kids even though you’re living separate lives.”

LEGAL AMENDMENTS To help with the disconnect, experienced in some situations, he recommends changes to the legal system which would see separated parents spending more time with their children.

“For me, ‘enough time’ spent with them [his children] would be every single day. But that is not happening and it is not a possibility right now,” he explained. “One of the things I would like to see is, rather than striving for separation, [law authorities] should strive for commonality whereby kids would be able to spend equal time with mom and dad in the case of a separation, rather than a case where children are just snatched away and given holistically to one person as sole custody bearer. There is no man who is more lonely than a man who is accustomed to being bombarded by the noise of his children and then all of a sudden that goes away.”

GOOD TIMES Kunta recounted one of the best moments he shared with his children as a period where he hadn’t seen them in a while, but when they visited he impressed them with his cooking skills by allowing them to pick out the weekend’s menu which consisted of their favourite dishes.

“That was pleasurable. I can’t manufacture that moment or remanufacture it,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine.

He describes his son, Jaden, as tremen-

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Kunta grew up without a father but revealed that several father-figures in his life played a role in his development, which is why he now believes that the roles of mothers and fathers should not be conflicted.

“I know that there are single-parent moms out there and I feel for them. I know that there are single- parent fathers out there, I feel for them. But a father cannot be a mother to a child and a mother cannot be a father to a child.

“While a mother might be able to raise a child in the right ways, it is a man’s trial to teach his children, especially his sons, how to be a man. And, it is the man’s place to ensure that the first set of affection that his daughter realises comes from him,” Kunta said.

Even though he describes himself as a “stickler for discipline”, Kunta says that through sports he is also able to reach students in need of mentorship, which further solidifies his belief that he has found his true passion: teaching.

GUYANESE MEN One lesson he wants Guyanese men to understand is that when situations which can lead to violence arise, especially against women, they can take the high road by choosing to walk away instead of retaliating.

“I would like to appeal to men to learn to lose. You don’t have to resort to violence, you don’t have to resort to killing someone in order to vent your hurt. You can talk or you can move on and heal in silence. Choose those paths, because when all is said and done, all that is left after what you would have done are scarred people and a scarred nation,” he said.

Apart from disseminating knowledge, Kunta reserves his passion for sports, adventure, writing and reading.

Speaking of his children, he told the magazine: “The best part of being a father is getting a chance to see yourself being imprinted in them in some ways and also seeing that there are differences between you and them.

“It’s not just about indoctrinating them or trying to make them become like you…you don’t have to force them to be something. You just live your life and you allow them to them to make those choices.”

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

III

Three cheers for dad!

All the wisdom you need from some outstanding fathers

By M Margaret Burke

MODERN DAY CHALLENGES Majeed stated that in today’s society being a father and a THE father, a source of strength and protection, a provider, parent, as a whole, is much more challenging. “With the type of a friend, a teacher, a preacher, a healer and many more roles role model you are and with all the distractions you are competing in the life of his family. Children look up to fathers and they with; with the television; with the Internet and the friends, peer ought to. And, it is said that where a father is absent both pressure, in today’s day and age it will be more challenging,” he mother and children are sometimes exposed to all sorts of offered. disadvantages.

Being at the helm of a large technology Many studies have found that though company such as Starr Computer Inc., he said not in every instance, far too many children that he has to ensure that he makes the time to who grew up without the father in their lives be a father to his daughter and a husband to his are more likely to fall under peer pressure wife, even when time seems to be evading him and, also get involved in many of the social because of duties. problems that face modern societies today.

He stated that the approach to time is what Yet the presence of the father is lacking is important and that there are times when the in far too many homes at this time. The child would attempt to gain the attention of the Pepperpot Magazine, therefore, sought to father, who might be preoccupied, but the way have discussions of three men in society he treats with the situation is what is important. who are fathers and who feel that the role of “I always pause at that moment and reflect leadership and responsibility must be taken and then I change my approach immediately. seriously.

So if she [my daughter] calls me there is never a time when I do not try to interact with her STEP UP TO THE PLATE because that is the most important thing for Rehman Majeed, General Manager of me.”

Starr Computer Inc. said that he was very Therefore, he said that in the afternoons yn rw Ca , se concerned with the number of single parents he spends as much time as possible to find os Cr om From left: Els Majeed in the society today. He felt that something out how his daughter did in school, having an hm Re d an nd lla Ho bindra Rooplall) must be done to help some fathers feel a higher a conversation with her on school work and (Photo courtesy of Ra sense of responsibility for the children they are other interactions she had during accountable for bringing into this world. the day.

“I was fortunate to have had a very close “I find these discussions very relationship with my grandparents; my aunts refreshing because I learn as well, and uncles, I had a lot of adults in my life and and I don’t make slots of time, like so to some extent I would consider myself old-fashioned because between five and six-no, it is all the it goes to show that some of the values have been instilled in you, time. I simply find the time to spend you carry it on and then you pass it on to your child,” he said. with my child because I believe that He said that he sees it as a responsibility, in Guyana especially, it is important,” Majeed affirmed. for the male population to step up to the plate when it comes to He said that it is usually a fatherhood. “I believe that if you bring someone into this world pleasure for him to take time off you have a responsibility and, your responsibility has to be not from his work to be a part of his only providing for that child financially but also as basic ethics daughter’s school activities, such as in trying to shape their lives as how you would want them to be,” the PTA, sports and other activities Majeed suggested. like graduations, Easter shows and He stated that for him, being a father is a joy and that he award ceremonies and the like. enjoys getting home in the afternoons; enjoy taking his child to Meanwhile, Crosse indicated school. He said, too, that sometimes he actually debates with his that with the Internet, Facebook, wife on who would take his daughter to school because it is seen WhatsApp and all the other gadgets as a privilege. out there, children will always be tested and at times may feel a ‘pull’ FATHER AND SURROGATES here or there, but he was proud to Carwyn Holland, former Mayor of Linden is a busy man, say that he has not been having yet he is one who finds time for his wife, Nikosa, and four sons: serious challenges in this regard.

Carwyn Holland and his four sons: Carwyn Junior, Cayden, Caleb and Caddarik Carwyn Junior, Cayden, Caleb and Caddarik. He is currently the “Our girls are not saints, but we President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM). have tried our best in bringing them He is also the Resource Ambassador for the University of Guyana ris, Justice Trotman and Professor Ken Danns. up in the best possible way, and while they do have friends – most from 2016; founder of the Linden Youth Leaders and also the Further, he stated that for the many fathers who forge ahead of their friends are boys and girls that we know and approve of, founder of the Guyana Youth Leaders International. without a model from which to pattern themselves, being a good so that there are no problems there.”

“I was blessed with a father who provided for my siblings and father requires immense courage, endurance and a generous helpHe said that as four girls, they find friends in each other as [I], who motivated us and assured us of his love,” Holland said. ing of the same resilience and humour we witness in our children. well. At the same time, he said that the girls learn to solve problems among themselves.

LOVE AND SACRIFICE Elsom Crosse is the father of four chil- THE JOURNEY OF FATHERHOOD Holland, in sharing similar views said that from the birth of his dren – all girls ranging from age 23 to 17 and married for the past 25 years to Jewel Crosse. first child he was engaged at the fullest. “Recalling my first solo Coming from very humble beginnings, diaper change over a decade ago, my eldest giggled through the Crosse said that he would stop at nothing that entire ‘ordeal’ and I use that word intentionally,” the obviously is good and just to see his wife and children proud father said, adding, that by the end of the task he resorted to just bathing the little fellow after expending a number of baby comfortable and happy.

“As a man, I feel that I have no real ex- wipes, and messing-up the child’s clothes, the changing pad, the cuse for standing up and making sure that my sofa and his own clothes as well. By the end of the task, he said, girls, as well as my wife, feel safe and secure; I was in beads of perspiration.

Holland said that now, with his fourth son, he has managed to I do not even feel that I am going out of my way whenever I have to go the extra mile to complete the task without profusely perspiring, soiling his wife’s sofa or resorting to giving his son a bath, although, there is always do something for any one of them.”

He said that with a lot of love and sacri- a considerable dent in the baby wipes case after he is finished.

Holland said that the expectation that fathers (or anyone) fice, he and his wife would ensure that their children get only the best, pointing out that should be perfect on the first day on the job is incredibly naïve and his first and second daughters will be grad- fallacious. He said that over the years he has learnt many lessons uating from the University of Guyana this that have fortified him as a father, and he is still learning.

He also pointed out that he has learnt that even when he feels year; while the third child is now in her second year at UG and the youngest is in Lower frustrated or angry, the discipline he administers should be an Elsom Crosse, his wife Jewel Sixth Form at the Bishops’ High School.

Crosse and his four daughters But more than being actual fathers, he also believes that youth leaders should strive to be role models and surrogate fathers to youths, as he feels that father figures will always play important roles in community development.

Besides his late father Cecil Holland, he said that several men in society played surrogate roles in his life. These include Bishop John Smith, the late Mayor Hugh Har-

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IV

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Fathers of children with disabilities

By Lisa Hamilton

FOUR fathers with special needs children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Harold B. Davis Special School were honoured on Thursday by the two institutions, for their outstanding dedication to taking care of their children.

Delivering opening remarks, social worker attached to the centre, Odessa Layne, said that good fathers are valuable assets to society and ought to be equally recognised for

affection towards your children by expressing your care, your love and your encouragement in your physical and verbal interaction with your child,” she said, addressing the four fathers, Terrence McAllister, Clinton Chin, Odinga Caldeira and Azam Hunte.

“As we honour you today we hope that our other fathers may see this and emulate your actions and that other families, especially those with children with disabilities, will take this as an opportunity and develop a greater appreciation for one another and recognise their value.”

part about being a father is being able to provide for and take care of their children.

Another one of the fathers, Clinton Chin, was described as a friendly man; one who greets all the staff and interacts with the centre’s children each time he visits.

Speaking with the magazine he said: “People always ask me how is it that we can go through a day with a smile having a child with a disability [but] my daughter has a roof over her head and she has 10 square meals a day,” he said humorously, adding:

The honoured fathers, from left,Terrence McAllister, Clinton Chin, Odinga Caldeira and Azam Hunte (Adrian Narine photo)

their efforts towards improving the lives of their children.

“We are well aware of the unique challenges faced in raising a child with special needs, and have seen your rise to meet these challenges admirably. We have seen your

McAllister was described as a mannerly and reliable man, who takes tremendous interest in his daughter’s welfare and even helps out others by lifting children who are not mobile, assisting on field trips and decorating the classrooms.

Meanwhile, Hunte who is a single parent of a 13-yearold girl with bone complications, also has a physical disability of his own but was described as a humble and polite man who enjoys spending the holidays with this daughter.

They both told the Pepperpot Magazine, that the best

“Some children don’t know where they’re going to sleep at nights, so why should I complain? I have to accept that she is in a much better state and shape than a lot of children.”

Chin's 18-year-old daughter suffers from epilepsy but Chin says this reality does not stop him from showing her the world through travelling.

Chin believes that more can be done to eliminate the stigma against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), which would see many individuals and children being permitted a chance at a normal life.

Being honoured too was, Odinga Omawalli Caldeira, who was described as extremely dedicated as he withstands the hectic West Bank traffic to regularly visit his four-yearold daughter with cerebral palsy.

“Regardless of what I love her to the dust, regardless of whether she walks, whether she talks, whatever it is, she’s God’s work and I love her to the dust. I don’t care what nobody says, I just love her and I love being a father when it comes to her,” he said.

The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) was established in January 1967, and is capable of providing services for up to 30 residents while the out-patient clinics register in excess of 100 new patients annually.

Meanwhile, the Harold B. Davis Special School was commissioned in 2014 and is attached to the PPRC as a school for the differently abled.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

V

The origin of Father’s Day IT’S time to raise a glass to the old man.

Today families will be coming together to celebrate dads across the country on Father’s Day. For some, this will just be an exchange of cards and gifts, while others may look to enjoy a family day out in the sun.

Though dismissed by some cynics as a manufactured commercial event, the origin of Father’s Day might surprise some.

The source of the celebration of dads, although disputed, it widely accepted to

have started in the USA. One version is that it began in Fairmount, West Virginia, by a woman called Grace Gordon Clayton.

It is recorded that in 1908, she campaigned for her local service to honour dads following the Monongah mining disaster, the worst in US history which, the year before, had claimed the lives of 362 men.

The other tale cites US Civil War veteran Sonora Smart Dodd as the champion of Father’s Day, stating that the daughter from Arkansas wanted to honour her dad,

Father’s Day Musings of a young girl

By Francis Quamina Farrier “MY daddy is the greatest daddy in the whole wide world...My daddy is strong and he loves me very much...

He does everything to make me happy, and so I love him very much, too...When my mommy was killed in the traffic crash, my daddy almost died of grief, but when he spoke at her funeral, he said that although he also wanted to die, he preferred to live and take care of his little princess...me, his princess!

Although he was heartbroken when mommy died, he slowly became stronger and stronger every day because, as he said, he wanted to be there for me, and to make me happy as best he could.

It’s five years since my mommy

who had raised his six children alone after his wife died in childbirth.

In 1910, the first Father’s Day celebration by Ms. Dodd was staged in Spokane, Washington.

Not long after our two Father’s Day champions (allegedly) got to work, the United States Congress officially designated the third Sunday of June for the celebration in 1913.

But it was not until 1972 when the recognition of Father’s Day was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

And while Father’s Day is celebrated

widely across the globe, it is usually celebrated at this time.

While the UK and other countries like Japan, India and countries in the Caribbean follow America’s lead, others have assigned their own days to celebrate dads.

For Italy and Spain, Festa del Papà and Día del Padre are celebrated on March 19.

Brazil marks the occasion on the second Sunday in August, while Australia and New Zealand hold their versions on the first Sunday in September.

died and my daddy has no other lady in his life. Well, that’s not accurate, because when his friends tease him about being without a woman in his life, he always tells them that I am the lady in his life; the only lady, although I’m only 11 years old. Daddy has many friends, but he does not go out often drinking and leave me all alone at home. The only time he goes out with his friends to take a little “tups”, as he would say, is when he takes me to my Auntie Rose for “lady talk”, as he calls it. Auntie Rose is my mother’s older sister and she gives me good information and advice about how my body is developing, and I am excited about how pretty I am when I look at myself in the mirror, or when I look at photographs of myself. I’m so beautiful and blessed and even though my mommy was taken away from me by that drunken driver in that tragic traffic crash, I am so blessed to have such a great daddy.

My daddy says that I’m becoming a young lady and I should know how to behave as a good respectable young lady should behave; especially with boys. Some of his friends tell him that this is a modern world and that he should let me do whatever I want. He would get real mad and tell them that it would be irresponsible of him and that he wants to be a good father to his princess. I feel so nice when Daddy says such things.

So we went to church on Father’s Day in the past years after mommy died and we heard pastor speaking only about the bad fathers, I was not happy because I know that my daddy is a good father and that Father’s Day is supposed to be about the good fathers, not about the bad fathers. I was hurt that pastor did not say one word about my daddy and how much he is doing to make me happy, and I wanted to cry. The pastor was talking only about the absentee fathers and not about the fathers like my daddy who is always there for me all the time.

There were other good fathers in church on Father’s Day and they were not praised or thanked for being good fathers and I didn’t think that is right. Every morning when daddy takes me to school, I see many other fathers also taking their children to school and they return and take them home in the afternoon just like my daddy does, and I feel that the pastor should speak about that because Father’s Day is about the good fathers, not about the bad fathers. Why did Pastor talk about absentee fathers when there are so many responsible fathers in church on Father’s Day? I feel that is wrong.

So I spoke to my daddy about it, but he said that people prefer to talk about the bad things in life and not about the good things and that I should not worry. He sounded so sad when he said that and I wanted to cry when I saw tears settling in his eyes. When daddy saw me with tears settling in my eyes too, he got the kleenex and dried my tears. Then I took some of the kleenex and dried his tears and we decided there and then to go and talk to the pastor about how we feel; that Father’s Day should be a happy day for all the good fathers. Father’s Day is just one day in the whole year and it is the day to celebrate the good fathers like my daddy.

My daddy said that I should do the talking when we go to see pastor, because he didn’t want to sound as though he was promoting his own goodness. I laughed when he said that because that is so true about him. He never likes to boast. That night I had a dream. It was about mommy. She came and hugged me and told me that I should speak firmly to the pastor, but that I must not be rude.

My mommy always taught me to be respectful to my elders and to take their good advice.

Pastor listened very carefully to what I had to say and daddy was very proud of me.

Pastor told daddy that he was doing a great job of raising me as a single parent and that he was proud of both of us. I knew that mommy was also proud of daddy and me. And so last year on Father’s Day, pastor spoke about many of the good fathers he knew. He spoke of those who had bad bosses but had to put up with unfair treatment and even abuse in the workplace because they knew that they needed the job to provide for their children. The congregation stood up and clapped for the pastor when he finished speaking. The same thing happened today; Father’s Day 2018. Everybody in church was jumping and clapping and singing for the many good fathers Guyana is blessed with. Daddy was also jumping and clapping and singing. He was also crying but his tears were tears of joy, so I didn’t wipe them away.

God bless all the good fathers in Guyana. God bless Guyana’s First Father, President David Granger, who is also Guyana’s First Grandpa. God especially bless my daddy because he is the greatest father in the whole wide world.”

Happy Father’s Day!

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

When dad is gone How one woman filled her late husband’s shoes

By Indrawattie Natram “LONG ago it was compulsory for females to learn a skill, whether sewing, knitting or making straw hats,- this made them more marketable and more empowered to face life’s

challenges whenever thrown upon.” Those were the words of 97-year-old Ursula Dainty Corbin who had to put those same skills to use to fill her first husband’s shoes and provide for her children when he suddenly passed away.

Born on June 11, 1921, in Queenstown, Essequibo, Ursula

97-year-old Ursula Dainty Corbin

Ursula Dainty Corbin in her younger days

was baptised at the St Bartholomew Anglican Church in Queenstown at the age of two. Shortly after, her parents moved to Georgetown. There, she attended the Roman Catholic School/ Lady Fatima. At the age of 18, she moved to Vergenoegen on the East Bank of Essequibo, where she attended the Philadelphia Scots School. The school, she said was built by slaves.

During her time there she said persons had to be involved in needlework and machines were purchased from the popular Singers company. “You were studying yes but you had to know needlework; you had to know to sew, you had to know a skill,” Ursula said.

She later worked at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate where she met the love of her life, Victor Hinds, who was an engineer on the estate. She said that life sparkled a little for her then, and from that union came their three daughters, Veronica Hinds, Carmen Hinds and the now-deceased Monica Dainty. She was 20 years when she tied the knot with Mr. Hinds.

In 1955, her husband decided to return to her birthplace, Queenstown, where they settled. Her husband then constructed a beautiful wooden village house where they resided, but in 1957 Hinds died leaving Ursula to take care of her girls.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

VII

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

On the Guyana Prize for Literature and the Government’s approach to it

THE Guyana Prize for Literature has finally been acknowledged as flawed and this is a good thing because now the authorities can put mechanisms in place that make the Prize stronger and better organised than it currently is. At least, that is the approach that one would expect a government that is intent on cultivating fertile ground for art creation and propagation. What absolutely should not be allowed and condoned is any plan of action that calls for the complete dissolution and end to the Guyana Prize for Literature. One hopes that this second course of action is far removed from the Department of Culture’s agenda and that a long-awaited assessment of the current state of the Prize and how to improve upon it is truly what is necessary for Guyana.

Over the years, this Prize has long been one of the few

Wilson Harris, one of the first winners of the Guyana Prize for Literature (Image via: Peepal Tree Press)

signifiers of the various governments’ alleged interest in the creative sector and it has continuously marked the works and oeuvre of a number of Guyanese writers, helping them to be introduced to a wider audience (most notably the Guyanese audience itself) and carrying a financial reward that, in this day and age where the concept of the starving artist rings particularly true, is very significant in the artistic and literal survival of writers. Many names that carry the weight of the Guyana Prize for Literature also carry the mantle of several other international recognitions and distinctions. Such writers include Wilson Harris, Martin Carter, David Dabydeen, Grace Nichols, John Agard, Pauline Melville, and Beryl Gilroy. The Guyana Prize is one of the literary connections that bind such a stellar group of writers together and offers them to the world.

Any changes that come to the Guyana Prize in the upcoming days must ensure that this solid literary legacy is maintained and any changes that come about should aim towards ensuring that the Prize continues to reward writers of great skill and literary prowess. The important questions are: 1) How do we find such writers?

2) How do we make such writers?

The great failing of both this government and the previous government is not being able to understand the role of literature-based initiatives and programmes that focus on the training of writers and the honing of skills – particularly when it comes to writers of poetry and fiction. A good example of the value of integrating artists into a space where their art is taught, curated, developed, and commercialised can be found in the National Drama Company of Guyana (NDC), which is an arm of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD), along with other organisations, such as the Theatre Guild. With the immersion of members into the various aspects of theatre, with Playwriting classes being taught, and with hands-on opportunities to develop their craft, there is no doubt that the NDC and other theatre groups are becoming

forces of literature to be reckoned with. With the arrival of the NDC and NSTAD, many new pieces of Guyanese theatre – of the literary, academic kind and not only the comedic, slapstick kind – have graced the various stages in Georgetown and it is possible that the emergence of these plays is helping

to strengthen the theatre fraternity in Guyana. In fact, if the Guyana Prize is to be continued, I foresee the Drama category emerging as one of the most competitive categories, especially Turn to page XXV ►►►

VIII

Walking along the Boardwalk in Boston RECENTLY, I had a conversation for a few seconds with myself. I knew I needed to have the discipline no matter what I write. Determination discipline, faith, focus, commitment and consistency are words I often use. I repeated those words then placed my headphones on and my first selection was Travis Greene’s ‘He made a way’. This song has become my anthem. I mentioned how much this song means to me earlier in the evening at my book event in Boston. It was another successful leg of my tour and got better when I was presented with three citations. Three citations given to me in one day from the city of Boston?

They outdid Cambridge which presented me with one a few days earlier. WOW! I must be doing a few things right.

As we were making our way to the car I looked at beautiful Josefa from Cape Verdi with the green hair to my right and elegant Myrlene from Barbados with a head wrap to my left. The driver was my friend Fabien from Trinidad and he was responsible for hosting my Boston event. Four persons in the car from four different countries and they are all are special to me. We had to meet with Imani who was at my event earlier and wanted us to have a discussion.

She is a designer from Jamaica and a very conscious young

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

woman. Imani was with a friend from Nigeria who was in Boston for a conference. WOW. So many nationalities in such a short time spent.

We decided to take a walk along the Boardwalk and chat about life while we looked at multi-storey buildings on the other side of the Boardwalk. The surrounding was so beautiful I decided to go live on FB to share this with my FB friends.

Yesterday I felt so relaxed while walking in the rain wearing sneakers and a caftan dress and eating an ice cream cone and decided to share it with my friends on FB too.

I like to encourage people while I go live that things are possible even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was joking around with them saying one of the boats belongs to me and I gave the captain and crew the night off so we can have a midnight cruise. I was joking then but I can see that in my future.

I am thinking about having my very intimate wedding ceremony on a boat with people who are very close to me. The ambience around the boardwalk in Boston is very uplifting and clears the mind to go places beyond your imagination. I can see myself sitting there for hours working on my fifth book MEN ACROSS BORDERS-telling their stories. The cover will be launched on Father’s Day. We were laughing, hugging and listening to jazz music on the beautiful Boardwalk, talking about the MUDD BAND presentation for the upcoming Carnival. They were trying to convince me to be the queen of the band but I doubt I can make it although I enjoyed it a few years ago. When I saw the prototype for the costume I almost said YES. It feels great to be around like-minded people who have a desire to grow.

We need continuously to keep working on our mind, health, soul and skill set.

Share something with us about you on our FB Page Beyond the Runway or send a message to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

IX

What you need to know about lemons (pt2)

Preparation for Market THE lemons should be brought to the packing area soon after harvest to begin the steps of preparing the fruit for market. These steps involve cleaning, grading, and packing. In addition, fruit destined for export may need to be treated with ethylene in order to improve the external peel colour. The ethylene treatment should be done prior to cleaning, grading, and waxing.

DE-GREENING Lemon fruits may have sufficient juice content for harvest when the peel is still green. However, some export markets prefer yellow-coloured lemon fruit. In order to change the external colour and de-green the peel, lemons can be exposed to either ethylene gas or liquid ethylene. These treatments break down the green chlorophyll pigment in the peel surface and allow the yellow carotenoid pigments to be expressed.

Ethylene treatment is solely cosmetic in effect and does not alter the flavour of the fruit or the juice content.

The de-greening protocol involves exposing green-skinned lemons to low concentrations of ethylene (usually between 1 to 10 ppm) at 20-25’C (68-78’F), 907o humidity for several days. The optimal ethylene concentration and treatment duration vary by the cultivar and growing conditions. Excessive ethylene (above 10 ppm) can cause stem end rot and increase decay. In order to achieve good de-greening results, adequate internal air movement is necessary. Also, regular ventilation with fresh outside air is needed to keep the COz levels inside the treatment chamber low enough (below 2000 ppm) to avoid the inhibition that high COz levels have on the effectiveness of ethylene.

A liquid ethylene-releasing compound, called ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic

acid, is another effective de-greening agent.

It is applied by dipping the lemons for 1 minute in a tank of clean water with 500 ppm ethephon. It is important that the water is properly sanitised with chlorine (150 ppm hypochlorous acid at a pH of 6.5). A fungicide should also be added to prevent postharvest decay. Recommended fungicides are benomyl (500 ppm active ingredient) or thiabendazole or imazalil (1000 ppm active ingredient).

A negative consequence of de-greening lemons is the increase in senescence of the stem end and abscission of the button.

De-greening should always be done prior to waxing. The wax coating will partially restrict gas exchange through the peel and inhibit the action of ethylene.

CLEANING Washing of the lemons after harvest is necessary to improve the appearance of the fruit by removing dirt, sooty mould, scale insects, and spray residues. Lemons can be cleaned manually by hand rubbing or brushing individual fruit dumped in a tank of sanitised water with detergent. Either sodium hypochlorite or sodium o-phenylphenate (SOPP) can be used as sanitising agents for the wash water. Sodium hypochlorite is readily available in the form of household bleach.

It is typically sold in a 5.25Yo solution.

The wash water should be sanitised with a 150 ppm sodium hypochlorite concentration and maintained at a pH of 6.5.

Lemons can also be cleaned mechanically by passing the fruit over a series of soft-bristled roller brushes. The lemons are thoroughly wetted as they pass under a series of spray nozzles. Rotating brushes will remove most of the debris. Soap or detergent may be added to the fruit to

improve the effectiveness of the cleaning operation as the fruit continues across the brushes. Adequate cleaning usually requires about 30 seconds on the brushes, rotating at about 100 rpm. The fruit is then thoroughly rinsed as it passes over the last of the brushes. Excess water on the fruit can be eliminated with sponge rollers. The lemons may then continue down a slow-moving conveyor belt for

sorting and grading or be put on a mesh or screen table for drying and eventual fading. Thiabendazole (TBZ), imazalil, and benomyl are the most effective postharvest fungicides for lemons and can be applied as high-pressure sprays after washing. They are typically applied at a dose of 500 to 1000 ppm active ingredient in water. These fungicides can also be applied in water-emulsion waxes.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

EMIGRATION AND SOME OF ITS PITFALLS CONSUMERS all over the world are always concerned with emigration trends and in small countries like those in the Caribbean, the concern is more acute. At the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) stakeholder consultation which was recently held in Guyana, Dr. Justin Ram, the Director of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Economic Department revealed some rather surprising figures and projections.

Dr. Ram pointed out that the Caribbean Region had an emigration rate which was four times that of Latin America

and Guyana’s rate was one of the two highest. In 2013, 9.65 people per thousand emigrated and from a previous study, it was stated that 40 per cent of the population would emigrate if they had the opportunity.

From 1992, on the average, 10,000 per year emigrated with the CSME Treaty contributing to the steady outflow of people from Guyana. But by far the overwhelming majority of Guyanese emigrants, however, made their way to the USA and Canada.

Dr. Ram also pointed out that the Caribbean lost seven per cent of its highly trained population that is people who had had 12 years or more schooling. In Guyana, for instance, 80 per

cent of the graduates of the University of Guyana emigrate.

This emigration of the highly-skilled leads to the so-called “brain drain”, and a lack of skilled personnel to fill jobs thus slowing down development. It also leads to the loss of large amounts of money which had been expended on the education of skilled emigrants.

The question of whether this massive emigration is a good or bad thing for Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean countries is a moot point. It is only by analysing the push and pull factors which stimulate emigration that some conclusion could be made and in any case, there is always an element of subjectivity in conclusions.

In studying push and pull factors, say over a period of 20 or 30 years, it must be realised that some of the factors become of less importance or even of no importance with the effluxion of time. In the following analysis, we will state the various push-pull factors without qualifying them as to their levels of importance.

Guyanese people settle abroad for a number of reasons.

For years they have been conditioned to believe that life in the cities of the West, that is North America and Europe, were much superior to Guyana. This belief was further reinforced by the widespread availability of television and was a strong overall push for people to try to emigrate.

Another factor, and probably the most important, is the widespread unemployment among young people in Guyana and the Caribbean. Young qualified people cannot find jobs after of job-hunting for years, leaving them no alternative but to emigrate. And although the jobs they may find in the cities of the developed countries may be stressful, low-paid and below their educational skills and levels, they find it better than being unemployed.

Once emigrants settle into better jobs and earn more money, they send remittances in money or kind to help to keep their families at home in a decent standard of living. Such remittances from emigrants make up a noticeable percentage of the foreign exchange earnings of Guyana and other Caribbean countries.

Also when emigrants become more established, they are able to sponsor their relatives who may desire to emigrate, thus having families rejoining each other.

With the large numbers of Guyanese and West Indian emigrants in the capital cities of several developed countries, they have been able to establish a cultural presence as other nationalities had long done. In New York, for example, there are impressive Phagwah parades and celebrations and tens of Guyanese temples and mosques and parades to celebrate Guyana’s Independence. There are a few Guyanese steel-band groups. There are also Guyanese and West Indian restaurants and bakeries.

One of the most important push factors over the years has been political disgruntlement. This factor has been more important in Guyana and Suriname to a lesser degree than in other Caribbean countries.

Once the emigration of skilled persons has started, it keeps growing in a crescendo with growing negative economic effect.

In addition to the economic loss caused to society by the emigration of skilled personnel, there is an even greater socio-cultural loss. The emigration of such large numbers of the Guyanese population has fractured the cultural fabric of the society. For example, many hallowed Guyanese cultural norms and customs are disappearing as in the case of Christmas and Easter celebrations which have lost their vibrancy.

The overwhelming majority of Guyanese who emigrate to the big cities like New York have to live in working-class areas since they do not have money enough to live in the middle class or better areas. In the big cities of the developed world, the environment creates the man. Accordingly, residents of such poorer areas begin to reflect the mores of those areas and their children become completely like working-class American children. For example, they would have no ambition to be professionals and would often fall into the company with youth who become flaneurs or even in criminal gangs. Parental control almost completely disappears.

In Guyana, society is egalitarian and anyone could aspire to be a professional or have the highest positions in society. Indeed, most of the politicians and professionals and leaders of the society have working-class backgrounds.

Living in the developed cities inhibits upward social mobility. The average Guyanese emigrant has to be conscious of the pitfalls and avoid them.

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Meet Mikhaila Puran XII

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

– She stood up to every challenge of becoming a doctor

By Telesha Ramnarine THE loneliness that resulted from being away from her family whom she dearly loved, especially her siblings, is still etched on the mind of Mikhaila ‘Vidya’ Puran, a beautiful and dedicated young woman who went after her dream of becoming a doctor despite other mountainous challenges.

She was just 17 years old when she started living in a different country – Trinidad – and thus had to fend for herself in every way.

To top it off, she was still studying when she heard of the death of her beloved dad – prominent lawyer, Vickramaditya ‘Vic’ Puran, whom police said died due to a vehicular accident, but whose family remains convinced that he was cold-bloodedly murdered.

Today, despite it all, Mikhaila, 29, has succeeded in making her dream a reality and is now a doctor at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mount Hope, Trinidad and Tobago, in the Internal Medicine Department. Furthermore, she has also managed to open her own priMarried to vate medical pracAttorney-at-Law tice at 105 Eastern Michael Xavier Main Road, St Augustine.

Born in St Augustine and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, to parents Sharon Boatswain and well-known criminal lawyer Vic Puran, Mikhaila knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a doctor. “ I love helping people. I used to give my family pretend checkups and prescriptions. There wasn’t much consideration for any other field as, according to my dad, I could either be a lawyer or a doctor. I had no interest in law,” Mikhaila told the Pepperpot Magazine in an online interview.

She attended Stella Maris Primary, Bishops’ High School and Queen’s College, before pressing on to the University of the West Indies (St Augustine

Mikhaila recently opened her own private medical practice

pressed being alone. I was always accustomed to being around my siblings [Mishka, Maqsood and Mikel]. Because of this, oftentimes, I felt like giving up and returning to Guyana. I was constantly pressuring my parents and siblings to come to Trinidad and visit me,” she added.

In the midst of it all, Mikhaila learned about the tragic death of her father and again felt like she couldn’t go on. “My dad passed when I was still in medical school and that was an extremely difficult time for me. At the time, I didn’t see how I could go on but I knew that he would not have wanted me to be a quitter. So I persevered and soon thereafter, I became a doctor.”

Although having to endure many sleepless nights while in medical school and not being able to pay much attention to a social

Campus).

“To begin with, I had to live on my own since I was 17 years old. If that wasn’t enough, I was in a different country from my family. I had to learn to cook and do everything on my own on a limited student’s budget,” she recalled.

“I was extremely shy and many times I was deMikhaila with her mom Sharon Boatswain (at centre) and sister, attorney-at-law Mishka Puran

With her dad, the late Vickramaditya ‘Vic’ Puran

not least, always do good and never compromise your integrity for anyone or anything.”

Mikhaila especially likes the biblical passage at Ecclesiastes 9:10: “ Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, where you are going.” She said this is a quote that has stuck with her since her school days and one which she lives by.

Today, there isn’t anything that Mikhaila believes she cannot accomplish. “The road to where I am now was very bumpy and there were many obstacles trying their best to prevent me from achieving my objectives. I have learnt that no matter how dim a situation seems, you can always shine the light that lives within you to overcome any difficulty. That’s why when I see so many people committing suicide, it hits home and I think to myself had they waited one more day, they might have been able to see the sun come up.”

Mikhaila is married to Michael Xavier, an attorney-at-law who eventually wants to move back home. “We’re not sure as yet, although it’s what my husband wants. We’ll see.”

She also hopes to eventually conduct her family medicine practice on a full-time basis.

life, Mikhaila is happy that she did not give up and she is now advising others to do the same.

“Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep working hard and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Surround yourself with positive people who are genuinely happy for your successes and don’t hesitate to cut out toxic people out of With her siblings, Mishka, your life. Know your Maqsood and Mikel worth. And last but

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

◄◄◄ From page III

expression of loving concern for the long-term welfare of his boys.

CONVERSATIONS AND FUN Majeed said that one of the virtues as a family they have always taught their daughter is, the importance of being honest and direct.

“We have a thing in which there are no secrets; no whispering; being very open and the kinds of conversations we have are monitored in our own way,” he said.

Having that daily conversation and also spending quality time together is one of the most valuable things that can happen in family relations, and so this is what is practiced as often as we can, Majeed stated. Sitting together as father and daughter, where there is no phone or Tablet on the table, just having pure conversations and interacting is what is important, he posited.

“Technology is addictive – you can’t run away from that, it is addictive to us adults and more to kids. And so there are some challenges with the use of the Internet, Facebook, and the other electronic gadgets which we can’t run away from–that is a challenge without a doubt.

I have that challenge, but one of the things that I think is important and it is something I have done, is to have several outdoor activities – if you get out of your house and kick a ball for example and having fun,” which he said is a lot better than the children in front of the television or something else,” he affirmed.

He said that he tries to utilise some of the afternoon hours to spend time in his yard kicking, batting and catching the ball. Ideally, people should spend more time outdoors, getting involved in physical activities and at the time, find less time for electronic gadgets and the like, he said.

RECREATIONAL PARKS – GREEN SPACE Majeed said that he personally feels that there is a lot of room here in Guyana for consideration to be given to recreational - parks, green spaces, and this is very important, he said.

“I know that the government would like to work on green initiatives and so green space is very, very good. I think that is what is lacking in our neighbourhoods – green spaces,” he posited.

He advanced the view that as parents recognise the strengths and weaknesses in their children and begin to work with them, they could find even more time using the green spaces – possibly for walks and conversations; play ◄◄◄ From page VI

FILLING THE GAP OF FATHERHOOD At the age of 35 years, Ursula had no choice but to provide for her daughters. She said it was then her sewing skills came in handy, as she decided to become a professional seamstress. “I had to do something to provide for my children. I was now a father figure for them. I had to put food on the table,” the woman said.

Apart from her seamstress job, she was a nursing assistant at the Suddie Public Hospital. But, she stated, that the job later became laborious and she left.

Struggling for quite some time as a single parent, Ursula decided to re-marry while in her 30s. She said with the blessings from her relatives she re-married Lenard Corbin who was a spiritual leader and a carpenter by profession.

She recalled her life began to strive once more and she was blessed with three more children from that marriage- Alida, Patrick and Cathrine.

Mr. Corbin then passed away when Ursula was in her 60s however, by then her children were all grown and she opted to remain single and just focus on God. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES The granddaughter of deceased slaves, Yama Yaqusha, and Miche Johnson, Ursula said life is much better in 2018 as compared

games in their yards or even where there may be neighbourhood parks.

EMPOWERING MEN In today’s society, it is hard to ignore that some men are struggling with a sense of inferiority for various reasons. Holland noted that he feels compassion for men who feel inadequate and too intimidated to try. “For men whose flawed and dysfunctional family background created a blueprint for this cycle to continue, I urge you to seek out help from your fellow brothers,” he said.

“To all men, we must be a band of brothers that will encourage, uphold, and redirect where necessary our fellow men. The task of empowering men and fathers must be led by men and fathers.

The truth is that any man can be a father; it takes a man of devotion, strength and integrity to father his children.”

CHORES NOT GENDER-BIAS Speaking on the matter of traditional roles, Crosse made it clear that he does not believe in the saying that certain chores are only for women to do, while others are for the men only. “I disagree with this,” he said, adding that nothing in the home is too much for him to do for his wife and to some extent for his daughters.

He put forward the view that cooking, washing, cleaning and other similar duties were not meant for the woman alone, adding, that none of those chores is above him, and that in fact, he takes pleasure in helping to keep the place tidy, preparing meals and assisting in whatever ways possible. “Who says that these are chores only for men?” Crosse asked. “When you know that you are a man–not just believe it, but know it, then you have no fear, nothing you do in the line of helping out in the home would make you less of man and cause you to doubt yourself or get confused.”

Moreover, these men believe that if fathers do the best they are able to for their children, they would not only change the lives of their children; they would also change the community and they would also change the country.

“We will start with one child at a time – when we speak about development; when we speak about social cohesion and all the other things we have already spoken about, we then go back to the drawing board and we start with one child at a time,” Majeed said.

Together, the beliefs and examples set by these three outstanding fathers’ set a strong example for many men to follow and their wisdom provides depth that can bring hope to the skeptics that, indeed, there are many good men out there fighting the good fight. to the 1990s, adding that there are better opportunities for persons to uplift themselves in various fields.

She stated that long ago the roads in the community were made from “red-earth and brick” and persons were forced to use “trench water” from cow-dam for domestic purposes.

She said the community had a well but persons had to traverse long distances to access the water and whenever they did sometimes it would be “red-ish” and not suited for consumption purposes. She related that she grew up in the days when children supported their parents by assisting in the homes and partaking in household chores.

Now, as she continues to age gracefully, Ursula said that at the age of 80 years her vision started to fade. She said however, besides being visually impaired and suffering from Filaria, she is happy and strong. She advised young people to be honest with themselves and to live life close to God. She also urged them to adopt a skill for their future.

Ursula’s daughter, Carmen Hinds Joseph, said she admires her mother’s determination and positivity to life. Joseph who lives in Brooklyn, New York, said that she usually visits her mother annually to spend time with her. She said her mother prefers to do everything for herself by simply feeling her way around. However, she is supported by her sisters and countless grandchildren.

FILES E S A C COURT

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Essequibo killers sentenced to death for businessman’s murder ‘Withdrawal of manslaughter from jury justified’ – Appellate Court IN 1975, the Guyana Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction and death sentence by the jury, of Carl Van Rossom and Carroll Halley for the robbery/murder of Affiance businessman Donald Yhap on the night of March 11, 1974.

The house-breakers and murderers, who had killed the Essequibo businessman, to effect a robbery at his Affiance premises, had appealed against the ruling on the grounds that the trial judge at the jury trial, had withdrawn the count of manslaughter from the jury, and had failed to direct the jury that the deceased had died from cardiogenic shock which could be caused by fright and not necessarily violence.

But, that Court of Appeal, comprising, Chancellor H.B.S. Bollers (ag.), and Justices of Appeal, Guya Persaud and Victor Crane, held that there was no miscarriage of justice in the case because the jury would have returned the same verdict whether they were properly directed or not.

The facts revealed that on March 11, 1974, at about 5.00 p.m. the appellants visited the spirit shop of Donald and Catherine Yhap at Affiance, Essequibo. After consuming rum and Pepsi-Cola for about an hour or so they left the premises but returned after closing time when all the customers had gone. They then proceeded to pull Mr. Yhap out of the door of the shop. They punched and maltreated him, while they beat, bound and gagged Mrs. Yhap.

Having rifled the cash drawer and two iron safes of over $11,000, the appellants left the premises.

About half-an-hour afterwards, Mrs. Yhap managed to get up from where they had left her. She freed her hands from the bonds that tied them and went to the northern door where her husband was lying on the sellers’ side of the shop. He had a black-and-blue mark on his forehead, a wound on the left temple, another wound under the left side of the chin and he appeared to her to be dead.

On March 18 Catherine Yhap attended two separate identification parades. On the first, she saw the appellant Halley and identified him as the man who had beaten, gagged and tied her up. On the second parade, she identified the appellant Van Rossum as the man who had pulled her husband Donald Yhap through the door with Halley’s assistance. Both appellants were also identified by three customers who were in the shop on the evening in question and saw them there.

The autopsy report on the deceased Yhap was supported by medical evidence. It showed he had sustained serious injuries to his neck and body, and that in the doctor’s opinion the cause of death was cardiogenic shock.

The State based its case on the proposition that the accused persons had used violence on the person of Donald Yhap, and had killed him in furtherance of the commission of a felony of violence.

The defence of the appellant Van Rossum as gathered from both his caution statement and that from the dock, was that he had gone to Yhap’s premises along with a ‘friend’ to steal, but not to kill anyone, and that when Yhap saw them, Yhap collapsed without any struggle before they had even touched him; though there was some struggling with Yhap to get him outside for fresh air. However, if he, Van Rossum, had known that Yhap was dying from cardiogenic shock he would have tried to get him help.

The defence of the appellant Halley was an alibi: that he was not on the Essequibo Coast on the day of the alleged incident; he was never on Yhap’s premises and knew nothing of Yhap’s murder.

At the Assizes both accused were convicted of Yhap‘s murder, and on appeal, it was contended, firstly, that the trial judge erred when he did not leave the issue of manslaughter to the jury which arose within the felony-murder rule, i.e., he ought to have told them that if they found the death of the deceased was not brought about by the

violence of the appellants, but that Yhap had died from cardiogenic failure during the course of the furtherance of the commission of the crime of violence, then the appellant Van Rossum would not be guilty of murder, but guilty of

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By George Barclay

manslaughter instead.

Secondly, on behalf of the appellant Halley, it was Turn to page XVI ►►►

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urged that there was failure to direct the jury that the unsworn statements of Van Rossum which he had given in writing to the police and from the dock were not evidence, and could not be given in evidence against Halley: On the first point, Chancellor Bollers held that it was clear from the evidence that violence was in fact used on the person of the deceased. The judge was therefore right in withdrawing the issue of manslaughter from them.

Secondly, he said that the medical evidence was merely opinion formed as the result of a post-mortem examination. The use of a dagger and a knife by the appellants was clear evidence on their part that they, at the time they entered the shop, had an intention to use violence.

Justice of Appeal Persaud had said that where an accused person during the course of the commission of a felony involving violence, uses such force against his victim which may cause death or grievous bodily harm in order to effect the felony which he had set out to commit, and the victim dies, he would be guilty of murder;

Justice of Appeal Crane noted that it must have been clear to the trial judge that the legal cause of death of the deceased was the violence he received at the hands of his assailants. It must also have been clear to him the violence received was the real or substantial cause of death… Accordingly, the judge would not have been justified in leaving the alternative verdict of manslaughter with the jury since the proven facts could not reasonably admit of such a view; On the second point, that Acting Chancellor said that the verdict of the jury would have been the same whether or not the judge directed them that Van Rossum’s statements were not evidence against Halley; On this point Justice of Appeal Persaud pointed out that the judge admittedly failed to give the jury the customary warning, nevertheless, he reminded them that he had ordered bits of paper to be pasted over certain positions in Van Rossum’s statement and exhorted them not to speculate about what had been done. There was therefore no necessity for a warning since there was nothing in the statement after the warning

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

had been given; But Justice of Appeal Crane declared that the trial judge wrongly exercised his discretion to edit Van Rossum’s caution statement in the way he did, viz., by pasting pieces of paper to delete the name of Halley and to substitute the word “friend” wherever it occurred in van Rossum’s statement.

Crane went on to say that the exercise of editing of a statement must be done in accordance with the law.

According to him, “In this case, it was exercised against a practice which had hardened into a clear rule of law, which simply requires a trial judge to warn the jury that one man’s confession is no evidence against his co-accused, but is evidence solely against himself.

“Blotting out Halley’s name in the statement was therefore unnecessary.

However, there was no miscarriage of justice in this case, because the jury would have returned the same verdict whether they were properly directed or not.

The Appellate Court had referred to 24 cases in support of its ruling in the affirmation of the jury’s verdict.

The Appellate Court had also referred to defence counsel’s argument on the first point, to the effect, is that the doctor who performed the post-mortem examination on the body of the deceased had said in evidence that cardiogenic shock meant shock as a result of the heart failing either by sudden stopping, or by suddenly starting to

beat irregularly, or by beating at such a low rate that enough blood cannot be pumped out from the heart, and the deceased was suffering from a heart disease.

As a result, as in Yhap’s case, fright or fear brought on by the sudden appearance of strange men could have caused cardiogenic shock and led to his death. A combination of physical exertion and fear or fright brought on by the sudden appearance of strange men could also have caused cardiogenic shock and led to Yhap’s death.

Under cross-examination, the doctor admitted that in a shocked state a person could fall down just like that, and that the deceased had died as soon as he was shocked. He agreed that injury number one - the superficial abrasions – and injury number three – multiple swellings – could have been caused by a fall ; but he did not agree that the injury number two – the laceration on the left side of the neck –could have been caused by a fall on a cardboard box. He stated that that injury could have been caused by a fall on a wooden box with sharp edges, but this was improbable because the laceration was clean-cut with no surrounding abrasions. He stated that all the external injuries by themselves could not have caused death and they could have been inflicted after death; a person with a heart condition like that of the deceased might die immediately on being frightened or sometime after.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Your new dentures I HAVE no doubt that if it were not for the fabrication of false teeth there would have been far less dental “quacks” in Guyana. It is hence logical that the higher the incidence of persons seeking dentures, the more there are people losing their teeth. This is not a good thing for dentistry because the purpose of dental personnel is not to extract teeth but rather to conserve them.

Notwithstanding, despite losing their teeth for one reason or the other, some persons are often skeptical of wearing dentures due mainly to erroneous perceptions or ignorance. However, in order for those who will be wearing dentures for the first time to obtain maximum benefit from it, certain practices should be observed. One should first remember that dentures are not permanent and that changes continue to occur in the bone and soft tissues of

the mouth. Now here is some basic advice for those either wear or intend to wear removable dentures: DURING THE INITIAL ADJUSTMENT PERIOD YOU SHOULD: 1. Leave the dentures in for the first 48 hours period. Note any discomfort or pain and revisit your dentist for post – insertion consultation. If there is no discomfort, wear it constantly because only then will you become accustomed to it.

2. Feelings of fullness and increased salivation will decrease with time.

3. Sucking sweets may help any gagging sensation.

4. Expect sore spots to develop during this initial adjustment period as this is not unusual.

It is important that the dentist sees these sore

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spots in order to identify the exact place to relieve on the new denture.

EATING WITH YOUR NEW DENTURES: 1. Cut up food into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Eating with food on both sides of your mouth

Turn to page XXV ►►►

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‘Land has true value. Invest in it.’

“LAND has true value.

Invest in it.” This is the theme for the observance

of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) this year. Each year, WDCD is observed on June 17 to raise awareness on the global and national actions that address desertification, land degradation and drought. This year’s theme

puts a focus on sustainable land management as a way to regenerate economies, create jobs and revitalise communities. It calls on all involved – producers, consumers and policy makers – to make a difference by investing in the future of land.

ENSURING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT Land is an important resource. However, like any other, if it isn’t managed properly, we will not enjoy the optimum benefits it can provide us. Land of a good quality is important, especially for agriculture. However, we are to realise that the land resources available to us today will also have to be utilised by future generations. As such, we need to take this into consideration

even as we strive to make the most of these resources now.

According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, short-sighted economic gains, such as land grabbing, unplanned urban sprawl, unsustainable agriculture and over-consumption lead to unsustainable land use, which eventually causes degradation and the loss of critical ecosystem services.

And these are the practices we need to avoid as we seek to address land degradation and maximise our land

value.

Recognising the importance of sustainable land management, the Government of Guyana, through the Department of Environment will be implementing the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) to guide Guyana’s development over the next 15 years. A key component of the GSDS is the sustainable management of natural resources which includes our land resources.

Specific initiatives that will Turn to page XXIII ►►►

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Child Labour is counterproductive to development YOU see children selling bottles of water on the streets by the traffic lights. You see them lending a hand at the mechanic shop or at the farm and you hear of them working in the mining pits all day instead of going to school. What you don’t see is their childhood being robbed from them as they are forced to work to help provide for their families.

But what would happen to the family- the mother and her five children- if her son stops his work and goes to school instead?

The Nelson Mandela quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, is easily one of the most popular quotes to date about education. It adequately sums up the importance of education. With this in mind, it is equally important to know that denying someone education equates to stymieing development.

Just this past week, Guyana joined with the rest of the world to observe World Day against Child Labour. This past week, too, Guyana-through the Ministry of Social Protectionforged ahead with stamping out child labour through its Draft National Policy against Child Labour.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), child labour is “…work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and that is harmful to mental and physical development.” And according to

the International Journal on Health Services, “The root cause of child labour is extreme poverty.”

Moreover, through evidence gathered here recently by way of a rapid assessment, reports of child labour are far more widespread in the “informal economy”, particularly in the agriculture and small-scale mining sectors than in any of the other sectors. Sectors which may pose considerable threats to health.

Cognisant of this, the Social Protection Ministry through its Department of Labour, is working assiduously to regularise, or formalise, this informal economy. That’s where the aforementioned policy steps in.

With focus being placed on keeping children in schools and providing assistance to families so that a child need not carry the burden of providing for the family, the policy will seek to ensure that children enjoy their childhood and become productive citizens- when the time is right.

On the observance of the World Day against Child Labour, the Junior Minister of Social Protection stressed, “Work is for adults.” And it undoubtedly is. Children engaged in work are engaged in Child Labour.

Luckily, it was reported in another news outlet that there are no instances of Child Labour on the coast- even though many say other. The Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle clar-

ified, “There are different definitions (for child labour); the first world definition or the third world like Guyana definition will be different.” He added that “light work” is not considered child labour, but it should not be during school hours.

But should a child focus on work instead of equipping themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills, that child is entrapped until he/she is able to garner those. Worse yet, if a child is forced into a low-paying job out of “necessity”, it becomes harder for social mobility to occur.

To this end, it must be noted that child labour might not be outright caused by poverty, but the poverty definitely contributes to this scourge. And it is for that reason that the Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, has also called for a national strategy that is focused on poverty eradication.

The mother and her five children might find financial constraints, but the child has to give up their right to education, which in Guyana is free up to the secondary level. In a nation where the biggest portion of the national budget goes toward youth development and education, it is quite counterproductive to let child labour continue unabated… or even at all.

And even with a policy that seeks to stamp out child labour in Guyana, the onus is on all of us to prevent its occurrence. Better must come.

Sugarcane Girl EVERY now and then, some writers would experience what is known as a “writer’s block”, a sometimes frustrating condition that limits their ability to conjure creative thoughts for writing. But for Chevon Lim, this block only helped her to find more creativity and direct it elsewhere.

Just recently, Lim launched a collection of short stories called “Tales from Sugarcane Street”, which follows the adventures and life of five children growing up and was inspired by her own childhood days.

The short-stories, however, were not the first bit of creativity that the woman focused on. In fact, Chevon first began working on her novel, “Sugarcane Girl”. “’Sugarcane Girl ‘has been five years in the making, [but] shortly after, I hit a serious case of writer’s block and the idea to put together the short stories came up.”

While Lim wraps up her debut novel, the short-stories offer some

Chevon Lim

insight into the mind and workings of the writer while leaving readers lusting for more.

The short stories are written in the thriller and suspense genres, partially because they are reminiscent of the ghastly stories her grandmother used to tell her and her cousins and partially because of inspiration from renowned author Stephen King (and his book Danse Macabre). Also, Lim was never the romance-type reader or writer, and as she says, “Horror stories came naturally for me.”

Currently in the collection are five short stories: Mrs. Argyle (a story about the infamous Ole Higue); the Dutchman and the cashew tree; Lost girl; Witches’ lot and Shadow Man. There is also a prologue and an illustration to go with each story.

The collection may still be incomplete though, as related by Lim. This is due to the route she chose to take to publish her books.

Writing a book is one thing, but making a book is a completely different (and taxing) process. You see, when Chevon was finished writing

her book, she did not have the fancy editors and proofreaders to help enhance the product of course- much less a publisher.

“I did not have the structural support network with other writers, editors and proofreaders,” Kim said sadly. Furthermore, she related that in Guyana, there might be support for writers but she doesn’t know about it.

Aside from that challenge, publishing now became the next challenge. Chevon shared that a U.S. publishing company took interest in her work and offered to publish it, but this was at too high a cost.

With the determination to get her work out there though, Lim spent hours researching before discovering “self-publishing”.

Amazon Kindle publishing offers a medium for writer’s to publish their content on their site, effectively allowing an endless number of persons to see and buy the book. The company only takes a small portion of the money raised from online sales.

With this medium too, Lim can add more stories to the collection until she is able to publish the hard copies.

“I like to think of a book as something that’s evolving,” the woman shared adding that once Amazon approves her book, she intends on “going live” or publishing it online in a few weeks.

After that, the next step is to print hard copies for sale in and across Guyana. The goal is to print 100 copies first and then market them since she first wants a tangible product to present.

“As part of my marketing plan,” she noted, “I want to do a road showa book tour, where I take the book to different regions and schools.”

She has set up a blog (www.sugarcanegirl.wordpress.com) to engage with her readers and in the meantime allow persons to read snippets and

see the illustrations. It has also been tapped to update on publishing data publishing.

But all of this must be done alongside Lim’s fulltime job and busy life.

Luckily for her, writing is never a bore or a bother. In fact, she stressed, “I’m my happiest when I’m writing.” Additionally, writing is an outlet and something she only wishes she can do full-time, but unfortunately that won’t get the bills paid, as she said.

“It’s a bit challenging because it takes my time and demands resources,” she said, but till now that has not dissuaded her. And it helps tremendously that she has huge support from her family and friends and more recently, support from other local writers.

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Renewable energy: The future of Guyana GUYANA needs a The Solar Farm at Mabaruma, sustainable model of Barima-Waini (Region One) resource exploitation and extraction in order to arrest the depletion of its natural assets so that these assets will also be available to future generations.

A ‘green’ economy is necessary to ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources and assets.

A ‘green’ economy is needed to wean this country off of its addiction to fossil fuels.

On this week’s Government in Action, we will take a look at the pursuit of Guyana’s ‘green’ economy; the push for renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro and how the lives of ordinary Guyanese will be impacted as this small South American nation exploits its natural resources sustainably, creates jobs and ensures full access to public health.

THE ‘GREEN’ STATE As it stands, the country is aggressively pursuing a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which is aimed at building greater economic resilience by diversifying production and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and generating renewable energy from a number of sources, including biomass, hydro, solar and wind. It goes without saying then, that the delicate balance between the extractive industries, including the emerging petroleum industry, and the commitment to green development must be clearly defined and maintained.

Moreover, the Green Development Strategy will add value to production through cleaner, cheaper and renewable energy generation. The country is committed to moving towards 100 per cent renewable power supply by 2025, thereby reducing our exposure to the volatilities of oil markets.

President David Granger, speaking at the opening of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Multi-Stakeholder Expert Group in November 2017, said that the GSDS is expected to build greater economic resilience by diversifying production, reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, generating renewable energy and emphasise low-carbon manufacturing.

“It will add value to production through cleaner, cheaper

and renewable energy generation and propose plans to move closer towards the goal of full renewable energy by the year 2025, thereby reducing our exposure to the volatilities of oil markets. The Green State Development Strategy will define the purpose, principles, policies and the processes, which will guide our path towards becoming a ‘green state’. A better understanding of the need for a strategy requires an appreciation of the rationale behind the ‘green’ state,” he said.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson

THE ‘GREEN’ STATE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY A ‘green’ state is inseparable from the pursuit of renewable energy sources. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Guyana has a responsibility to ensure that it has 100 per cent renewable energy supply by 2025.

Minister of Finance Mr. Winston Jordan in his 2018 Budget presentation, said that the Government of Guyana is cognisant of this obligation and intends to fully honour this commitment to the people and the world. The government, he said, will continue to prioritise interventions in solar, hydropower and other renewable sources, as well as energy-efficient technologies.

“Government continues to explore our options for realising substantial conversion to renewable sources by 2025.

Evidently, hydropower continues to be an integral part of the renewable options. However, government has already expressed deep and open reservations about the Amalia Falls Hydropower Project being the primary hydropower solution.

In addition to unresolved technical, cost, environmental and other issues, the main sponsor, Sithe Global, has withdrawn from the project. Government has opted, therefore, for a comprehensive energy mix with natural gas being actively considered as a prime component. In the meantime, we are currently examining the feasibility of hydropower projects at Kumu Falls and Moco Moco Falls; together, they are anticipated to generate sufficient power to meet the demands of planned households and industrial zones within the immediate and surrounding communities,” the minister said.

This commitment has led to the construction of Guyana’s first ever solar farm in Mabaruma, Barima-Waini

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018 Region, which is expected to become operational in August of this year, while feasibility studies have commenced for the establishment of solar farms in Port Kaituma and Bartica.

In keeping with our Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), a number of projects, amounting to approximately US$7.7 billion are slated to be undertaken during this year and will be completed by 2020.

Minister of Public Infrastructure Mr. David Patterson, at the Post Cabinet press briefing held on June 8, 2018 at the Ministry of the Presidency, announced that several renewable energy projects involving solar, wind and hydropower with a production capacity of 30 megawatts will soon commence. According to Minister Patterson, renewable energy projects will be constructed in the three new capital towns, Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma, as well as Mahdia and several interior locations.

He noted that by the end of 2018, government would have installed about five megawatts of renewable energy. “That is a commendable feat coming from 2015 with zero. By the end of 2020, when all of the projects would have (been) completed there will be about 29 to 30 megawatts. So, we are well on our way to achieving our target…,” Minister Patterson said.

Starting off with the township of Bartica, he announced that a 1.5-megawatt solar farm, with storage, will be installed through a US$3.87 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The project, he said, will start later this year and should be completed in 18 months.

The feasibility study for this project has been completed.

Additionally, a one-megawatt micro-hydro project will be constructed in an area just below Bartica through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), to the tune of US$5.22 million. The period for this project is 2.5 years.

Minister Patterson said that at the moment, technical and economic assessments are being conducted at this site and noted that it has been determined that additional topographical surveys will have to be done.

“For Lethem, he said, a one-megawatt farm with storage will be constructed through a US$2.6 million IDB loan.

This project should be completed in 18 months,” the Public Infrastructure Minister said.

Minister Patterson noted that government also plans to install a dual hydro system for Lethem, totalling 2.2 megawatts at Moco Moco and Kumu Falls. The grant funding, he said, will come from UAE/GRIF. The total investment for Moco Moco is US$2.2 million while for Kumu it is US$6.42 million. The time frame for project completion, he noted, will be two and a half years. A site visit to Moco Moco is scheduled for the near future and a geotechnical study, which is funded by the IDB, is presently ongoing.

That report is expected in the third quarter of this year.

“With regards to Mahdia, a Photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed at a cost of US$1.8 million over an 18-month period, with the commencement date being later this year. Funding will be provided by the IDB. The 2.2-megawatt Tumatumari hydro project is also on the cards. At the moment the project is with a private developer, Tumatumari Holding Inc., which had pegged the investment cost at US$4.4 million. It has been with them for quite

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Moco Moco Falls

a while. They said that they are about to do financial closure.

We have given them up to the end of July 2018, to reach financial closure with their investor,” Minister Patterson said.

Additionally, a micro hydropower (0.02 megawatt) station, funded through the national budget (approximately US$200,000), will also be installed for the benefit of the residents of Mabaruma. This small project will commence in the third quarter of this year and should be finished by mid-2019.

In addition, a utility-scale, four-megawatt PV system, outfitted with a substation, funded through a grant from the Chinese government, will be initiated later this year on the West Coast Berbice. The feasibility study is being conducted at the moment and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed.

Kato, in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), will also benefit. According to the Minister, a 0.1-megawatt hydro project, costing US$2 million, which is being provided by the IDB, will commence once the weather improves. The government, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and a private developer are partnering to complete this project.

“The Hope Beach Wind Farm project, which is being funded by the private sector will take about two years to be completed. At the moment there is a draft agreement that is being reviewed by the developer and the size and design of the substation is the only outstanding matter. Once an agreement is reached with GPL on these matters, the final agreement will be made so that the project can commence,” he said.

Minister Patterson also noted that funding has been secured for solar farm projects at Port Kaituma, 0.6 megawatts; Kwakwani, 1 megawatt; and Matthews Ridge, 0.4 megawatts. Kwakwani will cost US$2.6 million, Port Kaituma US$1.8 million and Matthews Ridge US$2 million.

Following the President’s visit to India in February, Guyana is now a member of the International Solar Alliance and has a US$15 million line of credit at its disposal. The Minister said that the plan is to use some of this money to equip Indigenous villages with renewable energy. The

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Ministry of Communities have been tasked with identifying the villages that will benefit from this funding and it is anticipated that about 4 megawatts of electricity will become available under this programme.

Government buildings, including ministries, schools, and health centres, are being outfitted with solar photovoltaic panels, to reduce Government’s dependence on the national grid. To date, 70 buildings have been equipped with such panels, resulting in a 1.86 gigawatt of power savings. In 2018, another 74 buildings will be outfitted. Government is also implementing an energy efficiency programme. So far 10,427 LED lamps and 3,766 motion-sensors across 46 buildings were installed in 2017 and, in 2018, an additional 10,610 lamps and 1,486 motion sensors will be placed.

Additionally, through funding from the Italian Government in the amount of US$650,000, a project was launched earlier this year with the aim of establishing a reliable point of reference for the existing state of energy use in Bartica. Further, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on July 13, 2017, the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (J-CCCP) was launched in the town. Through that initiative, the town benefitted from the installation of a 20Kwp grid connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system at the 3-Mile Secondary School along with the installation of energy-efficient lighting, as well as light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting.

The Partnership was funded by the Government of Japan to the tune of US $15 million and supports countries in advancing the process of improving energy security planning for adaptation to climate change.

Guyana is determined to become a leader in the combating of climate change and global warming by becoming the first ‘green’ state in the Caribbean and South America. There is no doubt that the present administration is not only determined to honour its commitment under the Paris Agreement and the Green State Development Strategy but is also adamant that a more sustainable world must be created for future generations to inherit

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII

be used to ensure sustainable land management are: • Land use planning and natural resource management systems Improvements will be made to the land use planning and natural resource management systems. This will lead to assessing current land uses and being able to forecast land use changes. Studies will be carried out to ascertain the carrying capacities of areas and their sensitivities and ecological limits due to land-use changes in order to identify impacts these changes could have economically, socially and ecologically. Additionally, the economic and social drivers of unsustainable land use will be evaluated in order to develop policies to combat these.

• Sustainable, productive and diversified agriculture This area will assess opportunities for agricultural diversification into non-traditional agricultural exports such as fruits, vegetables and meat products. It will also assess how staple and subsistence agricultural products can be improved and remain sustainable for domestic consumption and export. Additionally, environmental impacts of current production techniques will be analysed in a bid to identify new technologies and innovative methods of production which would not only contribute significantly to agricultural productivity but also reduce sectoral emissions.

• Sustainable forest management - logging and non-timber forest product practices

Guyana has made significant progress in establishing reclamation and rehabilitation regulation, and in promoting sustainable production standards through the work of organisations such as; the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). This will be built on by ensuring sustainable logging practices which would further contribute to increased forest biomass, leading to additional carbon stocks. Sustainable forestry will also be combined with agricultural diversification to further boost sustainable land management plans.

As the prime regulator for the environment in Guyana, the EPA has the oversight of activities that can potentially impact our land resources. Our Land Resources Management Programme Area monitors projects such as logging operations, mining operations, and largescale agriculture, sawmills and lumber years.

Further, guidelines for these sectors aim to lend support to the priority areas identified under the GSDS. Additionally, through Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) between Guyana and the European Union, the FAO-EU-FLEGT Programme is funding a number of projects aimed at Reduced Impact Logging and better management of our forest resources.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Are we doing Independence right?

A FEW weeks ago, we celebrated 52 years of Independence as a nation. Based on observation since then, I don’t think that many people know the importance of the

occasion, what it really meant and what it should still mean today. Even more so how it plays a role in our general mental health.

It’s important to understand what Independence actually means in the first place. In 1966, Guyanese became independent from Great Britain, This means that we fought for self-governing which has to do with so much more than just patriotism. Sacrifices were made to take responsibility for our own actions, laws, and most importantly, our people.

It was a promise to the outside world and ourselves that we will accomplish much on our own- with our own.

We took on a task to form our own identity – what we think Guyana should be like.

This should not be looked at as a political move but rather one of social responsibility to protect and support our own – which

means that everyone should care about it. We should all care that a collective decision was made for us to come together and decide our own rulers, laws, markets and what is fair and beneficial to all concerned.

This would and should have resounding mental health benefits as it brings about freedom, flexibility discipline and self-sufficiency. This all leads to pride, self-confidence, feelings of empowerment and overall high levels of resilience. We became our own problem solvers with our own resources and solutions.

Independence, as well as celebrating it, is supposed to bring pride, joy and unity- all Turn to page XXVI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XVII

may be helpful.

3. Biting foods with your front teeth will tend to dislodge dentures and the underlying tissues.

4. Avoid sticky foods.

5. Learning to eat with dentures takes time. ◄◄◄ From page VII

because of the new plays that have been made in recent years.

The point of the analogy of Drama has to do with how training and proper artistic environments have proven to be a driving force behind creative writing in Guyana, and the analogy highlights these elements to suggest that the Guyana Prize needs to work in conjunction with artistic training (whether through courses or workshops or summer programmes), with knowledge from expert writers and teachers (even if they have to be brought in from another country) in order to ensure that Guyanese writers continue to exist.

With regards to whether the Guyana Prize has encouraged young writers to continue writing, I can only speak for myself. As the second youngest winner of the Prize, I can say that I was encouraged to keep writing because of the validation I received through the Prize and the self-recognition of my skills as a writer that I was able to believe in after winning.

Since 2015, when I won the award, I have written plays, numerous non-fiction pieces,

Eating with dentures will be as easy or efficient as eating with natural teeth but you need to be patient.

TALKING WITH YOUR NEW DENTURES: 1. Adjusting takes time – read out loud to speed up the process. and I have been a part of several residencies and festivals, where my work has been represented. Winning the Prize is partially responsible for all of this, and every event, every connection, every person I meet, enables me to want to continue writing. In short, did the Guyana Prize for Literature, inspire me, as a young writer to keep writing? The answer is: yes, absolutely. The Guyana Prize inspired me to write before I won it because I wanted to write to win it. The Guyana Prize inspired me to write after I won it because it helped me to become self-aware of my talents and it helped me to understand the power of my voice, my words, and my ability to create an impact through my writing.

Whatever changes the government may bring on to the Prize must be changes that do not render the Prize non-existent. It serves many purposes, as outlined previously, but there is also the most important purpose that is observed when we think about how the Prize fosters writing, and that writing itself can be an act of rebellion, an act of criticism, a catalyst for change, and a way of saving lives.

2. Muscles will need to be re-educated so they will retain the denture.

3. The feeling of crowding of the tongue will decrease with time.

CLEANING YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR DENTURES 1. Cleanse and massage your gums daily with a soft toothbrush.

2. Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and ordinary facial soap. Never use toothpaste to brush your dentures – it is too abrasive.

3. Soak dentures overnight in either a commercial denture soaking solution/tablet or

XXV a weak mixture of bleach and water.

DENTURES DO’S AND DON’TS 1. Leave your dentures soaking at night while you sleep.

2. Denture adhesive is mandatory with all new dentures. It works as an adhesive, a seal to prevent food from getting beneath and averts initial minor chafing.

4. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or re-fit your denture yourself because you can damage it and may require a new one.

5. Do see your dentist for your regular check-ups.

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things which drastically affect mental health.

Pride affects how we cope with life and unity allows us to positively share that or encourage it in others. With unity, there are no limits. If you don’t feel this way, it is time to make a difference which can allow you to feel that you do have a voice, one that can make a big difference in our community. It is our duty to make everyone feel accepted and supported within their own- our- society – no matter what gender, ethnicity, social status or sexuality. The firmer our foundation, the less likely we are to crumble when the tem-

porary trials of life come our way.

I think we lose focus on the importance of certain things if/when we celebrate it in an unhealthy way. I have heard many stories of the alcohol/drug abuse which leads to confrontation on a day that is supposed to represent unwavering alliance.

There are a few other important things to remember. Even though we became independent as a nation, we did not become independent from each other. Every one of us should feel this way and cooperate with each other for the best outcome in any situation. Instead of not looking out for each other or purposely putting each other down,

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

we show warmth and empathy to our own.

If we don’t, who will?

We have both the personal and social responsibility to better ourselves and those around us, especially regarding mental health. We have the responsibility of sharing our own issues so that others feel comfortable doing the same. I appreciate any struggle I have as it helps me to have a better understanding of the struggle of others. People tend to forget that with vulnerability comes the breaking of stigma and discrimination; with that comes a support circle.

We have a duty to learn what help is available within our community and provide the strength and support to access them.

Pride in ourselves and community allows us to know what help is available; unity is using our ability to share it with our peers.

It’s important to remember that most of us have the same issues you are not alone in yours- no matter what it is. It’s time to hear and understand the issues of our people.

Practising all the above will allow ourselves and others to feel good about not only what we do, but who we are- a rarity.

I have a tip that has personally helped me to be a better member of my community. I was recently given the amazing opportunity of joining the Rotary Club of Georgetown.

Rotary has many principles but one in particular resonated with me- the Four-Way Test.

The Four-Way Test of the things we

think, say or do – we must ask ourselves: 1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it bring goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

A lot of people say that Guyana would have been much better off if we never gained independence. However, that argument is irrelevant as it has happened so it’s our job to make the best of it- whether we agreed with it or not. To be brutally honest, I think, we as a Guyanese community, let each other down every day. If we succeed, we succeed together which means when we fail, we fail together.

I think we need to accept that and focus on how we can possibly move forward with respect, loyalty and generosity. That we accomplish much on our own, with our own.

Otherwise, we took back our voice to do what with it?

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs - 12:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

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Blazing a trail for heavy duty transportation

THE INNER WORKINGS OF ‘TRAIL BOSS’ TRANSPORTING cargo to Guyana’s hinterland takes a lot of concentration, stamina and skill. At any given time, drivers must battle adverse weather, tough roads and other challenges, while staying

Heralall Ramcharan poses in front of his trucks

alert and being able to accurately navigate their way for hours just to get to their destination. For Heralall Ramcharan, who has been in the business for over 30 years, these skills come as second nature.

Today, Ramcharan is an expert in the business and his experience and skills have allowed him to proudly wear the title of “Trail Boss”- the name and brand of his successful transportation business.

“In 1985, when I started out I only had one truck and that number grew. By the early 90s I had about 10 trucks transporting goods to big and small mining operations. I did more work for big

companies like Omai and Golden Star Resources. My familiarity with these locations and my ability to handle the trail is why they call me the ‘Trail Boss’, I am ‘Trail Boss’; I am the brand,” Ramcharan told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Today, Trail Boss is a force to reckon with in the road and marine transportation services. Owing to key partnerships with mining companies, the company has been Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

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able to stay on the growth trajectory. This is recognisable in the large fleet of equipment that includes haulers, alligator trucks, cranes and an ocean-going barge.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY Speaking about the inner workings of his company, Ramcharan revealed that family is one of the primary reasons

for his company’s success. Trail Boss is a family-operated business with Mr. and Mrs. Ramcharan at the helm. While ‘Trail Boss’ focuses on interior operations to ensure reliable and safe delivery of cargo to clients, his wife manages the ‘command centres’ situated on the highway and in Georgetown. Their son has the mammoth responsibility of heading the maintenance team. And, even though she is a new mommy to little Jaya, their daughter-in-law is integrally involved in

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018 One of the cranes owned by Trail Boss

the office operations.

The businessman recalled that last year his entire family was present at the opening ceremony of their multimillion-dollar barge, which services Guyana Gold Fields. The ceremony was symbolically held in the interior due to the important role that the mining company played in Trail Boss procuring the barge.

“Purchasing that barge is the biggest accomplishment of our company thus far. Using the barge owned by other persons was time-consuming at sometimes. It would take us about two days or so to load that barge and the load capacity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge was another hiccup. So there was a need for us to own our own barge. But we needed a loan from a bank and so Mr. Lello Galassi [from the Aurora Gold Mine] gave us a letter stating that the barge would be utilised by that company. Now there is no unwanted delay, the cargo is transported from Buck Hall to GNIC promptly,” he said.

PARTNERSHIP Ramcharan related that the partnership between Guyana Gold Fields started during the infancy stage of Trail Boss and the early exploration days of the company (then Ontario Inc.).

Being the reliable person he is, Golden Star Resources had entrusted his company to deliver a drill to Guyana Gold Fields in the 90s. That was the first drill on site at Aurora. That first engagement saw the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

“I have always had a good relationship with all the companies I do business with. We service about 80 percent of mining companies and that didn’t happen overnight. We try to meet the needs of our customers because our customers are our priority. For instance, trucking is always my business but when I started doing business with Guyana Gold Fields I realised they needed cranes, so I went ahead and invested in cranes and today my cranes are stationed at Aurora,” he noted.

Trail Boss provides employment for over 60 persons including drivers, porters, mechanics, engineers, shipmasters and sailors. The company has a low staff turnover owing to management’s approach of prioritising the welfare of staff.

In a somewhat reminiscent manner, Ramcharan said, “I know this trail could be challenging especially in bad weather.

Anything can happen so I always make sure my staff are provided for. When we going in the bush we pack a small truck with everything we would need on a regular day and in case of emergencies, we have hammocks, groceries and even live chicken. Yes we pluck our chicken right there.”

FATHER-LIKE RESPONSIBILITY Ramcharan emphasised the sense of responsibility he feels towards his staff. He explained that sometimes there is no difference between being the employer and a father. As such, the safety and personal development of his staff are a priority.

“This work could be dangerous. You make one wrong move and you and your crew could be in danger. So when my staff were given the opportunity to get training from Guyana Gold Fields I was pleased. I knew immediately that it would influence the minds of the staff and ultimately my business.

So far they have received training in transportation, cyanide and safety,” he said.

The future looks bright for Trail Boss. The company is expanding to include a security service. This new sub-unit is expected to come on stream shortly, providing employment opportunities for more Guyanese.The intent is to have a professional security service that values the properties of others.

“I am happy with where my company is and where it is going. This is all because of my family, employees and good relations with our partners. Great things are ahead,” Ramcharan said.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, Beside knowing that a plan covers all facets of study and gives an overall view of time usage for a specific period, it also helps make more realistic the hourly allocation of time for all 24 hours each day of the week. Trial and error coupled with informed adjustments help a conscientious student produce a worthwhile time-table for any purpose of study. Any time-table made for this time is not useful all year round, especially when examinations draw nearer. Be wise.

Love you.

COMPREHENSION The Passage The free brotherhood has grown to be a terrible thing since Pierre le Grand and a little band of hunters slipped out of the woods of Hispaniola and captured the Vice-Admiral of the plate fleet from a canoe. French and British and Holland had seen in those islands a good heritage for their criminals, and for years they had unloaded worthless human freight on the Indies. There was a time in those old nations when anyone who could not give a virtuous account of himself was crammed into a ship and sent off to be a bondservant to any man who would pay a small sum for him. And when their time was up, these people stole guns and warred on Spain. It was not strange, for Spain was catholic and rich, while Huguenots and Lutherans and Church of England men were poor and out at heel. They fought a holy war.

Spain had locked up the treasures of the world. If poor, ruined beggars could be reaching a coin through a key-hole, who was the worse for it? Who minded except Spain? Surely England and France and Holland took little heed of it. Sometimes they provided the pirates with commissions against Aragon and Chastise, so that you might come on a man who, ten years before, had been sent out in a prison ship, carrying the style of ‘Captain by the grace of the King’.

England expects that every man will do his duty.

LORD NELSON HORATIO (1758-1805) At the battle of Trafalgar

(From “Cup of Gold”, John Steinbeck) Some questions to Answer a. What do you understand by the term “Free Brotherhood”? b. Give the meaning of each word or phrase that follows: i) plate fleet; ii) heritage; iii) virtuous; iv) crammed; v) bond-servant; vi) commissions c. How many countries are mentioned in the account? Give the names. d. How many religious sects are mentioned? Give their names. e. What new information have you gathered from the account? f. Write a summary of the passage.

GRAMMAR Case in nouns and personal pronouns Nouns and pronouns have many forms. The form of noun and pronoun that shows its relation to the rest of the sentence is called case. The cases are nominative, objective, and possessive. Let us look at case.

Sampson called on Friday. (nominative) The university notified Sampson. (objective) They attended Sampson’s birthday service. (possessive) It is seen that nouns change their forms in only one case.

Pronouns such as the personal, relative, and interrogative change their form in all three cases. Let us look at how they are used.

I have some ripe cashews. (nominative) Tommy and she collected donations. (compound subject – nominative) The people all love me. (objective) They need two persons, her and me. (compound - objective) The ripe cashews are mine. (possessive) The ripe cashews are mine and yours. (compound – possessive) Let us now look closely at four rules governing the nominative and objective cases in pronouns: Rule 1: Always use the nominative case for the following occasions: i) the subject of a sentence, and ii) the predicate nominative. Examples: a. Subject of a sentence: i) She wants more crochet thread. ii) The people are a clan. b. The predicate nominative: i) The author to praise is she. ii) This is he.

Remember that the predicate nominative (predicate noun or pronoun) is that word that completes the predicate verb and names the same person or thing as the subject. Predicate nominatives complete linking verbs. (A good definition of a linking verb is that it connects the subject with a word that gives information about the subject such as a condition or relationship. It does not show any action. It simply links the subject with the rest of the sentence.)

Rule 2: Always use the objective case for objects.

Examples: Harry asked her for help. (direct object) John and Jaffar gave her a gift. (indirect object) Give this reminder to him. (object of a preposition) Rule 3: When a pronoun is part of a compound be careful that you use the correct form of pronoun. (Eliminate the other member of the compound to help you decide.)

Examples: Sammy hailed Kathleen and (I, me).

Kathleen told (I, me).

Rule 4: A noun or pronoun is in the nominative case when it is in apposition with another noun or pronoun in the nominative case.

Examples: That man is Joseph Hinds, our agent. (apposition with predicate noun) We, Joshua and I, are the committee. (apposition with subject) Exercises In the following sentences, underline the correct pronouns, or write each entire sentence correctly. Then read the sentences aloud to hear the correct sound. Give the reason for your choice of pronoun. [NOTE: Underlining, writing over, reading, and reasoning are techniques to aid learning especially difficult concepts.]

1. Kenny and (he, him) have been given half-scholarships.

2. Somebody probably knew besides you and (I, me).

3. Danny promoted (we, us) boys.

4. Help Nancy and (I, me) assemble the 1,000-piece puzzle.

5. We, (Tom and I, Tom and me) belong to the sewing department.

6. This is (she, her).

Chronicle Pepperpot June 17, 2018

Reminiscing on the joys of

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Father’s Day

By Shirley Thomas

A FATHER of five whose visual impairment has developed into full-blown blindness as a result of glaucoma, is preparing to spend Father’s Day quietly ‘as usual’, but says it would be his greatest dream come true, were his five children to visit him today so they could have lunch together.

Lennox Braithwaite, 67, who went completely blind in 2010, and who has been divorced from his wife for about 21years, is in contact with his children and receives occasional visits from them. However, he is of the view that, being alone, there is need for that warmth and camaraderie that’s best extended by family on such a memorable day.

Reminiscing on the good times they spent together as a family through the years, “Braf”, as he is called, spoke of the true love and attention he and his wife gave to the children to ensure they were brought up in a good family environment and that their needs - both spiritual and material - were provided, including having a good education. And of course, their strategies worked, yielding the best results.

One of the first things they did was put systems in place to become self-employed in order to ensure they spent quality time with the children, and were able to monitor them while contributing as much as possible to their education.

“In fact, I always preferred to be self-employed than to work with people, and in time my wife saw the value in that and she too, eventually became self-employed,” he said. His wife, who spent most of her initial working years as a public

servant, held good jobs, but because they were getting children pretty fast, they saw the need to adjust so that when she would be in maternity confinement he would be working to help take care of the younger ones.

And of course, their approach to parenting worked out.

Their children all attended educational institutions of higher learning and secured good jobs. One is now a Cuban-trained doctor who received a Government Scholarship to pursue his medical training; another is a teacher at a government school in Buxton – the community from which he (Lennox) hails; one is attending the University of Guyana pursuing Environmental Studies, another teaches at a school in New Amsterdam, while the fifth is still pursuing studies.

‘Braf’, who has now established a small manufacturing business in order to sustain himself, has been in the business of producing local flours: Barley flour, Instant flour and Plantain flour, for which he has a ready market – the main outlet being the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) on Alexander Street. He also makes, packages and sells tamarind balls.

Incredibly, ‘Braf’ has also concocted a remedy for arthritis, called ‘Arthritis Relief’, which brings customers running back for more. Proud of the product he has created, he modestly asserts: “People who are between 79 and 82 [years] use it and get relief from knee and other joint pains within minutes.”

He has said that the Guyana Marketing Corporation is a source of strong support to small manufacturers who are into the manufacturing business. In fact, they have been providing market for their products, as well as creating advertising

opportunities for them through symposia and other such marketing tactics.

For the year so far, there have been about three such exercises, with exhibitions of small manufacturers products and free distribution of both hot and cold beverages made from the flours, as well as other products they produce, to senior citizens converging at local post offices and having to wait to receive their Old Age Pension.

“Such developments we find encouraging, but there could be tough times, for example, the day when I was fleeced of 200 pounds of plantains at the Stabroek Market wharf,” he said. He related that he had just made the purchase, when a man with a handcart came up to him and offered to wheel his purchase out to the front of the market where he would get a car to take it away. But sadly, he never heard from the man again and could not make a report, because, being blind, he had no knowledge of what the man looked like, nor the direction in which he went.

But that did not break his spirit nor force him into seclusion and making a decision to give up his trade. With a spirit of determination, he has vowed to move on and in fact is looking to expand his business. Whereas, at this time he is doing every aspect of the business – from peeling, washing, grinding and packaging the plantains and other vegetables utilised, he now has plans to go bigger and offer employment for other visually impaired or otherwise physically challenged people.

‘Braf’ would like to extend greetings to all fathers, for a blessed and wonderful Father’s Day, while assuring his children of his continued love and care for them.

Bollywood news

Deepika Padukone to stay Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reacts to rumours of her influencing Abhishek's decision on Sonali Bose's next away from her home for the Recently there were reports that Abhishek Bachchan will be teaming up with Shonali Bose for a film based on the life of Aisha Chaudhary. She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 13 and has been a motivational speaker. She also wrote a book My Little Epiphanies. She passed away at the tender age of 18 in 2015.

While Zaira Wasim has been approached to play Aisha, Abhishek and Priyanka Chopra are in talks with the makers to play the parents.

But a few days ago there was news that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had refrained Abhishek from taking the project.

Reports had it that Aishwarya wanted Abhishek to play more roles like 'Manmarziyaan' where he can do more.

But now putting an end to all the speculations Aishwarya's team has released a statement and denied all such reports. The statement read, "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan not too keen for Abhishek Bachchan to sign Shonali Bose’s next film has been doing rounds on the internet. To clear the record Abhishek Bachchan has refused this particular film and it’s a low down tactic to drag Aishwarya’s name in this context."

On the work front, Abhishek will be next seen in 'Manmarziyaan' along with Vicky Kaushal and Taapsee Pannu. The film is reported to be an intense love story and is scheduled to release on September 7.

next 15 days, here’s why!

Recently, a huge fire broke out on the top floor of a high rise building in Worli. All the residents were safely evacuated and were unharmed.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone who lives on the 24th floor of the same building was fortunately away for a shoot.

The actress even tweeted that she is safe and prayed for the firefighters on the site. ”Once our fire tenders were withdrawn from the spot, we had no role to play.

BEST has to restore electricity and decide along with the housing society when its residents can start living in their flats. We are investi-

gating the cause of fire and the place where the fire first broke,” said chief fire officer P Rahangdale.

Well, Deepika is not going back to her base for at least weeks.

Meanwhile, she will be soon reuniting with her ‘Piku’ co-star Irrfan Khan for her next film helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Entertainment

Banana Bread INGREDIENTS 3 Ripe/Very Ripe Bananas 1/3 Cup Melted Butter 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda A Pinch of Salt 1 Cup Sugar (if you prefer less sweet you can simply use less sugar) 1 Large Egg 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract/Essence 1 1/2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour METHOD Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Butter and flour a 4×8-inch loaf pan (or any other pan you prefer to use) In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until it is smooth.

In the same bowl add all the wet ingredients: melted butter, vanilla essence, beaten egg, and mix together.

In a separate bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and mix well.

Add both wet and dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F (175°C), or until toothpick/tester comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Serves 4

Ellen DeGeneres returns to stand-up comedy after 15 years Ellen DeGeneres is going back to her roots, launching her first stand-up comedy tour in 15 years in a limited run of shows on the U.S. West Coast in August.

The TV talk show host and actress will visit three cities over eight nights, promoters Live Nation said on Thursday.

DeGeneres, 60, began her career in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian in her home town of New Orleans before launching her comedy show “Ellen,” in which her character in 1997 came out as gay and became the first openly lesbian character on television.

Since then, the gay rights activist has become one of the most popular talk show hosts in the United States with her “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” winning 30 Emmys. She also twice hosted the annual Oscars ceremony and the Emmy awards show.

DeGeneres did not say why she had decided to return to stand-up after so many years but the shows will form the basis of a Netflix comedy special to be streamed later in 2018.

Her stand-up tour will visit San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle from Aug. 10-23.

Los Angeles prosecutors reviewing sexual assault case against Sylvester Stallone Los Angeles prosecutors said on Wednesday that their sex crimes team was reviewing a case against “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone.

Los Angeles District

Attorney’s office spokesman Greg Risling did not give details but said the case was presented by police in the California beach city of Santa Monica.

Representatives for Stallone, 71, did not immediately return a call for comment on Wednesday.

In December, Stallone’s attorney Martin Singer said that a woman had “filed a police report alleging a rape that occurred 27 years ago.”

“My client categorically disputes the claim,” Singer said in a statement at the time.

Santa Monica police said in December they were

investigating a complaint that was made in November 2017 of alleged sexual misconduct in the 1990s by the actor.

Stallone skyrocketed to fame in 1976 with his Oscar-winning boxing movie “Rocky” and went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars through the “Rambo” and “Rocky” film franchises.

California has a complex statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of sexual abuse but offenses must generally be prosecuted within 10 years.

Hollywood has been roiled in the past eight months by accusations of sexual assault against dozens of actors, directors and filmmakers, leading to many major figures being forced to step down or dropped from creative projects.

Producer Harvey Weinstein was charged in New York with rape and sexual assault last month. He entered a not guilty plea.

Comedian Bill Cosby was convicted in April of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004.